What is a concept sketch?
Why might I need more than one plan?
Why do we need a survey?
Why is it expensive to draw up the plans?
What happens if I want to ammend the plan(s)?
How long will it take?
Why should I consider lighting and/or irrigation requirements so early on?
Can I take it one stage at a time?
Why are some contractors more expensive than others?
Should I use your recommended contractors?
How much does the choice of building materials affect the end price?
What’s the advantage of using natural stone instead of reconstituted stone?
Why is some stone from India?
Why is reclaimed rectangular York stone so expensive?
Will the construction company require a down-payment?
Deciding which plants will grow?
Should I consider irrigation?
What should I consider if buying larger specimens plants for my garden?
How does manure and "mulch" help?
Do you have any contacts with garden furniture suppliers?
Can you help with choosing the decorative pieces to finish the garden?
Once my garden is completed, how do I maintain it?
Q. Deciding which plants will grow?
A. Plant requirements vary. Certain soil types (etc. acid, clay, sand, chalk, loam etc.) and conditions (sun or shade, dry, damp, waterlogged etc.) are better suited to some plants than others. The right choice of plants is essential for a healthy and vigorous garden. Plants that are not given favourable conditions will not thrive. You don’t want plants that will sit there sulking, refusing to grow - not forgetting that plants are living things, no-one can guarantee a 100% success rate but we can make informed choices and give them the best chance of establishing successfully . We can help you do this by selecting plants to suit the soil conditions, and preparing the planting areas thoroughly in advance. Style of the plant and it’s "garden worthiness" is also worth considering
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Q. Should I consider irrigation?
A. Plants establish more quickly and effectively if they have a consistent supply of water - especially during their first year or so after planting. If your garden does not supply that naturally, it is worth considering some form of irrigation system, particularly if planting larger specimen plants. A watering system can range from a simple black "leaky hose" type set-up to a full-blown, totally automated pop-up sprinkler system with assorted gizmos.
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Q. What should I consider if buying larger specimens plants for my garden?
A. A few, specially chosen "specimen" plants, grown t a larger size in a container, will make a garden look "instantly" established. Depending on the projected costs, a variation of sizes can be offered to you before the plant orders are confirmed, allowing you complete flexibility in this area.
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Q. How does manure and "mulch" help?
A. There is an old saying:- "Spend a penny on the plant, and a pound on the hole." The preparation of the garden borders and protection of them after planting, makes such a staggering difference in the progress of the new plants If you are investing in larger plants it is imperative that they are well looked after in their first two years at least, in order to minimise the risk of casualty. A good, well-rotted compost dug into the soil before planting allows new roots to develop in looser soil, improves drainage and adds nutrients which are then readily available for increased growth. The "mulch" can be applied any time after planting on a weed-free surface. It is a thick (7-10 cms.) layer of (usually) organic material, preferably sterile, which helps keep moisture in the soil and discourages germination and establishment of weeds around the new plants. The idea is to preserve the newly-added nutrients and water in the borders (not being robbed by weeds) for the new plants. Suitable materials include chipped bark, mushroom compost, various types of crushed shells, well rotted farmyard manure or garden compost.
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Q. Do you have any contacts with garden furniture suppliers?
A. Yes, we can recommend some manufacturers whose products we have found to be of particularly high quality including Westminster Teak Furniture, Gaze Burville, Barlow Tyrie, Stuart Trellis, Mark Francis, Legion - Artists in Metal and others. We have also commissioned various individual pieces for clients.
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Q. Can you help with choosing the decorative pieces to finish the garden?
A. We can either advise on the look and feel of an individual piece to fit in with the overall design, or source, supply and/or commission all types of "garden art" for you, to an agreed brief, if you would prefer that option.
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Q. Once my garden is completed, how do I maintain the plants?